Law school is a demanding, rigorous environment. It’s easy to get lost in the rush of it all, but preserving yourself is more important now than ever.

When you start law school, everyone tells you how important it is to keep doing the things that keep you sane — getting enough sleep, working out, eating well and maintaining your hobbies. I heard this advice and thought, “There aren’t enough hours in the day to do all of that and finish my work.” Time management is one thing; being superhuman is another.

Throughout the fall semester, I felt myself losing momentum. Although I liked school, it felt like it had taken over my life. I woke up, read cases, spent most of the day in class, came home, read more, ate dinner and before I knew it, it was nearly midnight. I felt guilty for simply going through the motions of something I had worked so hard to achieve while not feeling like myself.

It took time, but I realized the people encouraging me to prioritize my mental, emotional and physical well-being were onto something.

I changed my approach, though not in the way you might expect. I didn’t suddenly learn to read faster or cut material out. Instead, I decided my mindset was just as important as working hard. Law school is a means to an end. One day, I will graduate, leave the classroom and begin my career as a lawyer. I cannot afford to burn out before I even get there.

So, I became more intentional. I read on the treadmill to build movement into my day. When the reading dragged and I stopped absorbing the material, I took a break. I allowed myself to enjoy my hobbies. I stopped feeling guilty when I spent time with family and friends. I began practicing gratitude — for law school and, even more so, for the people around me. I made a conscious effort to start each day with a positive mindset, and my entire experience began to change.

Maintaining the things that make you feel like yourself in law school can seem impossible, but it is arguably just as important as doing the work. Being a law student is only one part of who you are. Remember who you were before, and imagine who you want to be after. Preserving yourself will make the challenge less daunting and enable you to become the best version of yourself.

-Blayne O'Connor is a 1L KU Law Student Ambassador from Wichita, Kansas